If you’re a fashion-savvy individual, then you’ve probably heard the term “dead stock” before. But what does it mean, specifically, in relation to shoes?
And why is it such a big deal?
In this blog post, we’ll provide some answers to those questions and more. So, if you’re curious about dead stock shoes and what they entail, read on!
Table of Contents
what does deadstock mean in shoes?
Deadstock shoes are ones that are unboxed and have never been worn. The term can apply to both current and discontinued styles. Think of deadstock as apparel that never sold and may be old, but it’s in new condition.

Deadstock shoes are often sought after by collectors due to their rarity.
While most deadstock shoes are new, some may show signs of wear from being stored for a long period of time. Deadstock shoes may also be more expensive than comparable styles that are still in production.
However, many shoe enthusiasts believe that the higher price is worth it for the chance to own a piece of footwear history.
It’s important to also understand that “deadstock” is a streetwear slang that derives from the word “dead stock” in the e-commerce world.
what does dead stock mean in e-commerce?
In e-commerce, dead stock refers to products that are no longer available for sale. This can happen when a product is discontinued or goes out of stock and is not replenished.

Dead stock can also refer to seasonal items that are no longer available for purchase. E-commerce businesses must carefully manage their inventory to avoid having too much dead stock.
With the definition of “dead stock” and the idea of scarcity, we can see how something being “deadstock” can be something of value.
why is deadstock important for sneakerheads?
Sneakerheads, or people who collect and trade shoes as a hobby, often seek out deadstock shoes for their collections.
Deadstock shoes are valuable to sneakerheads because they are rare and often no longer in production. For example, a pair of deadstock Air Jordan 1s from 1985 could be worth thousands of dollars today.
Sneakerheads also appreciate deadstock shoes for their quality. When a shoe is no longer in production, the materials and construction may be of better quality than shoes that are mass-produced today.
This is especially true of vintage shoes.
how can I tell if a shoe is deadstock?
Unfortunately, there is no 100% way to tell if a shoe is deadstock because you often have to go by the word of the seller.
Even the biggest online retailers of streetwear have been accused of selling fakes, so who can you trust?
Here’s a few things that you can do to do your own self-check. There are a few ways to tell if a shoe is deadstock.
- First, check the condition of the shoe. If it looks brand new and has never been worn, it’s likely deadstock.
- Second, look for the original box. Deadstock shoes will usually come in their original boxes, which will be in good condition.
- Third, check the style number on the shoe.
You can usually find this on the tongue of the shoe or on the inside of the heel.
who invented the term “deadstock?”
The term “deadstock” was coined by the streetwear community term to describe unsold inventory, particularly sneakers, that were no longer in production.
The term quickly caught on within the sneakerhead community and is now used widely to describe new condition sneakers.
how to find deadstock sneakers?
If you’re interested in purchasing deadstock sneakers, there are a few ways to find them. One way is to check with your local sneaker stores. Some stores may occasionally have deadstock shoes for sale.
You can also check online retailers and auction sites like eBay and StockX. Finally, you can try contacting the shoe manufacturers directly. They may have a list of authorized retailers who sell deadstock shoes.

Now that you know what deadstock means in relation to shoes, you can start your search for the perfect pair! With a little effort, you’re sure to find the rare and unique shoes you’re looking for.
final remarks
In conclusion, deadstock refers to new condition shoes. This makes them rare and often more expensive than comparable shoes that are still in production. However, many shoe enthusiasts believe that the higher price is worth it for the chance to own a piece of footwear history.
If you’re interested in purchasing deadstock shoes, there are a few ways to go about it. You can check with your local sneaker stores, online retailers, and auction sites.
You can also try contacting the shoe manufacturers directly. With a little effort, you’re sure to find the perfect deadstock shoes for your collection!

A group of passionate writers dedicated to capturing the essence of streetwear and sharing it with the world. With their keen eye for style and their ability to tap into the pulse of urban fashion, these writers are at the forefront of the streetwear culture.